Literary Events

  • William the Conqueror invades England
    Jan 1, 1066

    William the Conqueror invades England

    Claiming his right to the English throne, William, duke of Normandy, invades England at Pevensey on Britain's southeast coast. His subsequent defeat of King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings marked the beginning of a new era.
  • first mass produced paper in Spain
    Jan 1, 1150

    first mass produced paper in Spain

    The manufacture of paper began in Spain in 1150 it was manufactured in masses as a result it helped in literature.
  • Magna Carta
    Jan 1, 1215

    Magna Carta

    English charter, originally issued in Latin in the year 1215, translated into vernacular-French as early as 1219,[1] and reissued later in the 13th century in modified versions
  • The Plague
    Jan 1, 1348

    The Plague

    One of the most devastating pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350. Although there were several competing theories as to the etiology of the Black Death,
  • First appearance of Robin Hood in Literature
    Jan 1, 1378

    First appearance of Robin Hood in Literature

    Robin Hood was a heroic outlaw in English folklore. A highly skilled archer and swordsman, he is known for "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor.
  • Chaucer writes The Cantebury Tales
    Jan 1, 1387

    Chaucer writes The Cantebury Tales

    The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century. The tales (mostly written in verse although some are in prose) are presented as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from Southwark to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.
  • War  of the Roses
    Aug 24, 1455

    War of the Roses

    Series of dynastic wars fought between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet:
  • King VII is crowned
    Jan 1, 1485

    King VII is crowned

    Being the first Tudor King of England, establishing the Tudor Dynasty. His victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field overthrew Richard III and effectively put an end to the Wars of the Roses.
  • First Printing of Le Morte d'Arthur

    First Printing of Le Morte d'Arthur

    "The death of Arthur" is a compilation by Sir Thomas Malory of Romance tales about the legendary King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table.
  • End of the Crusades

    End of the Crusades

    Series of religious expeditionary wars blessed by Pope Urban II and the Catholic Church, with the stated goal of restoring Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem.